Former Yreka Miner gridiron standout Manny Barragan is having great success over the border in Ashland, Ore.

Barragan, a 2009 Yreka High graduate, has become a key reason for the Raiders having one of its most successful seasons in years. SOU is 8-2 overall and are on a six-game winning streak. The Raiders earned a share of the Frontier Conference title in the last game of the season against heated rival Montana Tech 46-28 on senior day in Ashland this past Saturday. Barragan, the starting senior running back, rushed for 192 yards and had 75 receiving yards with two scores.

"It was a memorable day," Barragan said. "I had one of my best games this season and my family was there too."

Now, SOU is heading to Davenport, Iowa to play St. Ambrose on Saturday in the first round of the NAIA National Football Championship Series. SOU is ranked No. 10 in the country while St. Ambrose is No. 8.

This is the first time since 2002 that the Raiders have earned a playoff berth.

This season, the 5 feet 9 inch, 205 pound Barragan has rushed for 1,046 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also has 292 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He has rushed for two touchdowns in a game three times this season and rushed for more than 100 yards five times. As a junior, he rushed for 528 yards and five touchdowns. Before his time at SOU Manny played at Shasta College in Redding, Calif.

Barragan can't wait to begin playoff play and hopefully make a long run in the postseason.

"We have to win three games to get to the championship," he said. "We are striving to be 1-0 every week. We know we have to play within ourselves and play our game."

Yreka Miners head varsity football coach Orlyn Culp, who coached Barragan in his time as a Miner, said he is quite proud of all his former player has accomplished in college.

"It's been a real pleasure to watch Manny mature as an athlete and as a man," he said. "He's always been such a dynamic personality and player. It's not surprising that he's had such success. I've enjoyed each moment I've had to work with him and to spend time with him on a personal basis as well, with the exception of his "surprise fake punts."

Barragan said that he has loved his experience as a Raider. And, it's been great to play only around 40 minutes away from his friends and family. Barragan was born and raised in the Yreka area and grew up on the family ranch. Growing up, he said, while he knew of Ashland, he did not visit a lot and is glad he has gotten to know the town better and said it's been a great place to go to school. Barragan is graduating from SOU this spring with a degree in nursing and plans to go on to nursing school at the Oregon Health & Science University School in Portland.

Page 2 of 2 - "I'm glad I came here," to SOU, he said. He added a major reason for him enjoying his time at the school has been his coaches and teammates, who he has formed close bonds with and said that his teammates have become his "brothers."

To win against Montana Tech last Saturday meant a lot to Barragan and the entire team. He said that there has been a fair share of bad blood between the teams. SOU had loss to Montana Tech earlier in the season on the road in double overtime.

"It left a sour taste in our mouth," he said. "Our team was fed up." Winning at home in the regular season finale to win the league title was quite sweet, he said.

And, being senior day it was quit emotional, Barragan said. Before the game, a coach showed the team a video of the history of SOU football and its traditions. It included interviews of former players, including former teammates that were seniors last year. Barragan said that it really "fired the team up." to make their school and those who came before them proud.

In attendance at the game was Culp, who Barragan said has been a positive influence in his life. He said that he still frequently talks to him and was pleased to have him in attendance on senior day. Culp taught him the importance of holding high standards both on and off the field and doing things "with integrity and class."

Culp was pleased to have been able to watch Barragan have such a memorable performance on senior day.

"I was so happy to have been able to be there for his final college home game," Culp said. "The fact that it was senior day was special because it allowed my wife, Dena, and I to share in the moment with Manny's parents... in their "special" moment. His touchdowns of 70 and 66 yards brought back very fond memories of his days as a Miner."

Barragan said that while not the biggest guy, he believes he is a good running back "due to my vision and strength. I'm not that big but I'm fast and I can make people miss."

Culp said what makes Barragan an excellent running back is that "Manny has that unique ability to make the "big play" when it needs to happen. He's able to be tough and physical and to "make guys" miss as well. He's one of those rare players who has the ability to accelerate past players who appear to have every advantage over him. He's also a very committed team player."